The Best Shoes for Pregnancy (from a two-time “old” mom)

I got pregnant with my first baby at 36 and my second at 39. While I loved being pregnant and felt great the first time, my second pregnancy was absolutely miserable. Not only was I much sicker, but I was much more uncomfortable – especially my feet. 

As your body changes, you’re more prone to swelling, shifts in balance, and increased pressure on your feet. Also, hormones can impact your ligaments and joints, causing more discomfort and increasing your risk of falling. (I fell twice in my first pregnancy while running! Everything was okay, but it was scary.)

I hope my experiences can help you minimize discomfort and maximize how beautiful you feel. Today, I’m breaking down the best pregnancy shoes, focusing on comfort and support so you feel steady, comfortable, and cute. Oh, and if you need a good pair of jeans, read this roundup of my favorite maternity jeans linked here.

The Best Shoes for Pregnancy (from a two-time “old” mom)

Whether you have flat feet, need stability, or are just looking for the perfect cushion, I’ll cover it all in this comprehensive guide of the best shoes for pregnant women. And if you need some outfit ideas as well, read this post with my favorite amazon maternity clothes.

Best Workout/Athleisure Sneakers for Pregnancy

Sneakers are an excellent go-to option for pregnancy, particularly if you’re experiencing swelling or joint pain. Look for a pair with plenty of arch support, cushioning, and a breathable upper to accommodate these changes. Slip-on sneakers with mesh uppers are especially convenient, avoiding the hassle of bending over to tie laces—making them a great choice for a mom on the go.

Top Pick: On Cloudmonster Running Shoes

The most supportive sneakers I have are the On Cloudmonster running shoes. I don’t actually run in them, but I wear them for strength workouts and athleisure outfits. They have great arch support, and the cushion is unmatched. Their cushioning absorbs impact and distributes weight which helps with stability and comfort.

Second Choice: Hoka Clifton

If the On Cloud design leaves you feeling a little unstable, try a sneaker with a more traditional sole, like the Hoka Clifton. Hokas are known for their intense cushion and they’re on trend right now too so win win.

Best Fashion Sneakers for Pregnancy

Top Pick: Veja Recife Sneakers

The Veja Recife sneakers are my favorite fashion sneakers, whether pregnant or not. They are a classic low-top design made with real leather. The reason I love them for pregnancy specifically is that they have a velcro design rather than lace-up. When you’re in your third trimester, lacing up sneakers is harder than you might expect. The velcro option not only makes it easy to slip these on and go, but it’s also a very trendy style – check out these $400 Isabelle Marant sneakers! Thankfully, the Vejas are much more affordable (but still not cheap). I own three different styles of Veja sneakers and the Recife is my personal favorite for style and comfort.

Second choice: Dolce Vita Zina Perforated 360 Slip-On Sneaker

The Dolce Vita Zina Perforated 360 Slip-On Sneaker is another great pregnancy option. They’re slip-on sneakers, although they look like they lace up. The perforation in the sides of the shoe allows your foot to breathe and helps reduce swelling, and the fun metallic style (there are other options, too) gives you a really fun way to dress up an otherwise simple outfit. The price tag of Dolce Vita is hard to beat, too. I’ve been shocked by just how comfortable this pair of shoes really is.

Best Boots for Pregnancy

When shopping for boots during pregnancy, I actually recommend booties rather than tall boots, as your legs may start to swell a bit – and tall boots can start to feel too tight. Plus, booties are a versatile option since they can be dressed up or down and work well with jeans and dresses. (Read this post about what style of booties to wear with what style of jeans.) Be sure to choose a style with a wide toe box to accommodate swelling, a cushioned footbed for comfort, and a block heel for stability. 

See my thoughts on how to style boots with dresses in this post.

Top Pick: Sam Edelman Daria Booties

The Daria booties by Sam Edelman are an excellent option for pregnancy because they’re affordable, they come in a bunch of colors, and they have a decently wide toe box. So many booties this season have a very pointed toe, but I need as much room as possible in the toe box for my shoes, especially when pregnant. While these have a slightly pointed toe, it’s not narrow. Plus, they zip from the side, so you’ll have no problem putting them on.

Second choice: Miah Water Resistant Chelsea Lug Boot

While the Miah Water Resistant Chelsea Lug Boot is different from the Daria boots above, they’re another great bootie option for pregnancy. The heel is comfortable and easy to walk in, and these booties are perfect for cold weather since they’re weather-resistant. I find Chelsea booties look best with leggings and wool socks or a pair of cropped jeans. They’re chunky (which is on trend), so you just want to ensure the rest of your outfit feels balanced when wearing them. They don’t have a size zipper, but they have elastic gore insets that make the ankle stretchy. Watch this video to see how I styled them while pregnant last year.

Work Shoes for Pregnancy

Finding comfortable yet stylish shoes for work or special occasions can be challenging. Choose flats or low-heeled dress shoes with arch support, cushioning, and adjustable straps for a customized fit. Avoid high heels, which can strain your joints and affect your balance. Loafers and ballet flats with a padded footbed are also great options for work.

Top Pick: Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers

Like so many shoes in this post, I love the Loraine loafers from Sam Edelman, pregnant or not. They’re the most comfortable loafers I’ve ever worn and need practically no “breaking in.” These come in many colors and materials and are work-appropriate. These are good shoes for pregnancy because they’re easy to slip on and off and have plenty of give for swollen feet. I rarely do this, but these shoes are designed so you can step on the back of the heel and squish it down if you prefer a mule style instead.

While they don’t offer much support, the flat design is great for balance and comfort, especially in a work setting.

Second Choice: Marc Fisher LTD Zala Block Heel

If you’re a heels girl through and through, I recommend the Marc Fisher LTD Zala Block Heel. The heel itself isn’t too high (only 3″), and the fit is easy to slip on and off. The toe is pointed, but I never had and issue with it. They’re comfortable to walk in all day, look professional in all settings, and come in many colors.

Best Ballet Flats for Pregnancy

Ballet flats are a fantastic choice for pregnancy, providing a polished look with comfort. Look for pairs with cushioned insoles, arch support, and flexibility to accommodate foot swelling.

Top Pick: Rothy’s The Flat

The Flat by Rothy’s is a great pregnancy option because it’s stretchy and comfortable. Rothy’s shoes are designed with “pillow-like” comfort, and they can be tossed in the washing machine at any time to clean them up (we all know flats start to stink). There are a few options from Rothy’s, but The Flat is their most traditional look. They come in a ton of colors.

 Second choice: Madewell Greta Ballet Flat

The Greta Ballet flat from Madewell is another great option for pregnancy because it is so comfortable, has a wide toe box, and has an elastic strap over the top that gives you extra support. They stretch naturally, so I recommend sizing down. If you notice your feet are starting to swell, just get your true size (don’t size up).

Best Loafers for Pregnancy

Loafers offer more structure and support than ballet flats, which can be beneficial for moms needing stability. Look for loafers with a roomy toe box, cushioned footbed, and arch support. Slip-on styles are ideal for hands-free convenience, making them easy to wear as your bump grows.

Top Pick: Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers

I mentioned these in the work shoes section, but the Loraine loafers from Sam Edelman are my top loafer pick for pregnancy. They’re comfortable right out of the box, stretch naturally like real leather does, and they get better with wear.

Second pick: Madewell The Grayson Penny Loafer

I recently got the Grayson Penny Loafer from Madewell, and I wish I had had these during my pregnancy last year! They’re comfortable, super classic looking, and fit right out of the box. I’ve actually always found Madewell’s shoes to be really comfortable. I have the Turkish Coffee Color.

Best Slippers and Cozy Shoes for Pregnancy

At home, you still need supportive footwear so opt for slippers with a cushioned footbed, arch support, and non-slip soles to ensure comfort and stability. When I went barefoot, I noticed my plantar fasciitis acted up, so I always had something on my feet, whether these slippers or sneakers.

Top Pick: UGG Coquette Slippers

The Ugg Coquette Slippers are a great option because of their plush lining, cushioned insole, and non-slip sole. They have a thicker sole than the Scuffette style slippers, which is best for balance and stability. I also appreciate that I can wear them outside the house to take something to the car or take the trash to the street – and it won’t ruin the slippers.

Second Choice: Jenni Kayne Shearling Moroccan Slipper

These Shearling Moroccan Slippers don’t have any support, but they’re by far the coziest slippers I’ve ever had, so I wore them nonstop during my second pregnancy. Sure, a more supportive option might be better overall, but in terms of comfort, you cannot beat these. They are, hands down, one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.

Best Slip-On Shoes for Pregnancy

Slip-on shoes are a lifesaver during pregnancy, especially as it becomes harder to reach your feet. Look for styles with stretchy uppers or adjustable straps that allow you to easily slip them on and off while still providing cushion and stability.

Top Pick: Kizik Hands-Free Shoes

While I love the Vejas and Dolce Vita sneakers I linked earlier in this post (and find them pretty easy to slip on and off), the best true slip-on shoes for pregnancy have to be the Kizik Hands-Free shoes. The entire line of Kizik’s shoes is hand-free slip-on, which is just a brilliant idea for so many people – including pregnant women. They have many styles, but I think the Athen’s style is a chic athleisure option. What makes these especially great shoes for pregnancy is that you don’t need to bend down to slip them on; you can put them on standing up – order a pair to see for yourself. (My sister-in-law SWEARS by these shoes, and my brother has even started wearing the Kizik men’s shoes too!)

Second choice: Dolce Vita Zina Perforated 360 Slip-On Sneaker

I linked the Dolce Vita Zina Perforated 360 Slip-On Sneaker above as one of the best fashion sneaker options for pregnancy, but since they’re technically slip-ons, they fall under this category as well. I love that these look like they’d lace up, but you can actually pull them on without ever touching the laces. They aren’t quite as easy to put on as the Kiziks, but they’re a great option for a great price.

Best Sandals for Pregnancy

For hot days or that last warm getaway for a babymoon, you’ll want sandals with arch support, cushioned soles, and adjustable straps. As easy as they are to slide on, avoid flat flip-flops, as they don’t provide enough support. Instead, try sandals with a contoured footbed to support your arches and ligaments.

Top Pick: Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

These sandals feature a cork footbed that molds to your foot’s shape, providing incredible comfort and support for your ankles and joints. I love these when I’m not pregnant, too. I favor this pair with high-shine buckles, and if you want a pair for the cooler months – how cute are these shearling Teddy sandals?

Second choice: Nina Slide Sandal

The Nina Slide Sandal is a really affordable pair of sandals from Target that I wore into the ground this past summer. I wasn’t pregnant, but I feel confident they’d be comfortable for pregnancy. While I typically like to spend a bit more on shoes, these were so comfortable due to the rubber sole that I wore them multiple times a week. I often struggle with plantar fasciitis, so I can’t wear sandals too often, but I had no problem at all with these. And you really can’t beat the price.

Running Shoes for Pregnancy

Finding the right running shoes is crucial if you plan to keep running during your pregnancy (I ran throughout my entire first pregnancy, including the day I went to the hospital). The right shoe will depend on your foot shape and gait.

Top Pick: Brooks Ghost

I loved running in the Brooks Ghost when I was pregnant. They’re shockingly cushioned, but in a different way from Hokas or New Balance sneakers. I think of them like a unicorn combination since they have cushion but don’t lack spring. The toe box is roomy, which is amazing for my feet since they’re slightly wider in the forefoot. Another reason these I like these for pregnancy is that they have great stability. This comes from the blown rubber outsole.

Second choice: Hoka Cliftons

As I mentioned above, Hoka Cliftons are a great pregnancy workout sneaker. They’re also ideal for running because they’re ultra-cushioned and comfortable, which is essential when running while pregnant since the cushion reduces pressure on your joints and ligaments.

Shoes to Avoid

During pregnancy, some shoe styles can increase discomfort or your risk of falls. When you can, minimize high heels, flat flip-flops, and shoes without arch support. These can exacerbate swelling and put extra strain on your back and joints.

FAQs

Can I wear heels during pregnancy?  

While high heels aren’t recommended, a girl’s gotta live. I didn’t wear heels every day, but a few times a month, I did. And when I had special events, I splurged on gorgeous heels that had a block heel and a platform for extra height without an increased pitch. BTW – if you have a fun holiday event coming up while you’re pregnant, read this post for my favorite maternity cocktail dresses.

Why do my feet swell during pregnancy?

Swelling is common due to increased blood flow and pressure on your veins. Choosing shoes with adjustable straps, cushioned soles, and room for swelling can help keep you comfortable.

Should I size up in shoes during pregnancy? 

Many women find that their feet grow a half-size or more due to swelling or changes in circulation. Sizing up or choosing shoes with stretchy uppers can help accommodate these changes.

How can I reduce foot pain during pregnancy?

To relieve pressure on your feet, look for shoes with cushioned footbeds, arch support, and roomy toe boxes. Elevate your feet when possible and avoid shoes that lack support, like flat flip-flops.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy can be challenging, but the right shoes can ease some of the discomfort and make you feel more supported. With so many stylish yet supportive options, you can take care of yourself and stay comfortable. Here’s to a smooth and stylish pregnancy journey!

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